Bodies...The Exhibition

Previously on display in cities across the world including New York City and London, "Bodies...The Exhibition" has finally made its debut in Las Vegas.

Twenty-one whole-body specimens are on display throughout the exhibit in various poses illustrating the body in motion. Poses include throwing darts, conducting music, pitching a baseball and hurling a discus. There are also more than 260 organs and partial-body specimens on display.

The specimens are preserved using a method known as polymer preservation, in which all tissue and water is replaced with silicone rubber. Polymer preservation gives visitors the chance to view the beauty and complexity of the human body as they never have before.

"Bodies...The Exhibition" is broken down into several displays based on anatomical systems including muscular, nervous, circulatory and digestive systems as well as special displays including fetal development, how disease affects the body and more.

In the portion of the exhibit focusing on bones and the human skeleton, visitors can view a fetal skull and the tiny bones which can be found in the ear. It is also in this portion of the exhibit where guests will learn that human bone is five times stronger than steel and that children's bones grow faster in the spring.

Corrosion casting is used to demonstrate the circulatory system in the human body. In corrosion casting, blood vessels are injected with a colored polymer which then hardens. Then the remaining tissue is removed to reveal an unobstructed view of the circulatory system (comprised of 60,000 miles of blood vessels in the human body). Samples on hand include arteries of the upper limb and of the stomach.

Perhaps the most eye-opening display in the exhibit illustrates the respiratory system. Visitors learn that every pack of cigarettes takes an average of two hours and 20 minutes off a person's life. A nearby display case houses a set of healthy lungs and heart alongside a smoker's lungs and heart, leaving no doubt about how much smoking affects the organs.

An area of the exhibit dedicated to fetal development is particularly intriguing but can be bypassed if the subject matter is too upsetting. One display depicts the gestation of an embryo from the chorionic sac to 32 weeks into pregnancy. Another provides examples of various birth defects including a set of conjoined twins.

In addition, several of the specimens illustrate the damage caused from over-eating, lack of exercise, forms of cancer and heart and brain diseases. Examples include a liver showing the effects of cirrhosis, the damage to the brain following a stroke and the brain of a person suffering from Alzheimer's disease.

Visitors to "Bodies...The Exhibition" will experience a range of emotions throughout the exhibit, from fascination and discomfort to disbelief and amazement, but one thing is for sure, it's an exhibit that will leave a lasting impression.

Pole Position Raceway

4175 S. Arville St.
Las Vegas, NV 89103
(702) 227-7223

Craving a taste of adrenaline on your vacation? If you want a bit of excitement and adventure, Pole Position Raceway will send your heart racing. Novice and experienced racers alike can enjoy this state-of-the-art facility, which features indoor race karts zooming faster than any of their kind in the country.

In fact, three weeks after its opening in December 2007, Pole Position already had approximately 5,000 visitors. In addition to celebrities like Jamie Little, Paul Tracy and Kyle Busch, novice drivers from ages 10 to 70 also come out to the track.

"The response has been unbelievable," said Bryan Kroten, director of sales and marketing.

NASCAR Champion Kurt Busch and seven-time AMA Supercross Champion Jeremy McGrath are both part of the team that brought Pole Position Raceway to Las Vegas.

Pole Position Raceway's 60,000-square-foot facility features a unique quarter-mile European-style track. The track can be compared to the real thing because it is actually designed by professional race car drivers.

But the karts are what surprise most guests.

"People are most impressed with our karts," said Kroten. "A lot of people think they're going to be kiddie karts or bumper karts."

These racing karts are approximately 18-horsepower and capable of going up to 45 miles per hour, which is quite impressive for being indoors. In addition, these electric-powered karts are environmentally friendly -- they emit no exhaust.

Before heading out on the track, drivers get to choose a racing name -- this name shows up on the big screen above the track. Here, racers can see exactly where they stand against the other participants during the race.

Once the adventure begins, drivers find themselves racing through long straightaways, hairpin turns and other unique elements. Your arms will get quite a workout -- you'll need to use your muscles to maneuver the sharp turns. And while you may hear all sorts of screeching, crashing and bumping cars behind you, don't let those factors psych you out. These should be your motivation to pick up the pace!

At the end of each race, each driver will receive a scorecard, which includes details like lap time and position in race along with overall race stats. Compare your results with other racers to see where you stand.

Even if you're not into racing, you'll have fun simply being here. Guests can stroll through the facility and see helmets and racing suits on display worn by professionals, including the late Dale Earnhardt, Sr.

The upstairs game room features two pool tables, a pinball machine, plasma TVs and not to mention, a great aerial view of the track. Catch the excitement below and pay attention to how the experts execute the tricky turns. And who knows? After watching for a while, you may be able muster up the courage to try the track yourself. The helpful staff makes you feel comfortable and will also address any concerns you might have.

Pole Position also offers an arcade, which includes a variety of racing games. If you want to take a piece of your experience with you, Pole Position Raceway also sells memorabilia, including T-shirts and hats.

A variety of private parties, catered events, as well as group racing packages are available. With Pole Position's custom racing, you can either race head-to-head with friends, against the clock or eliminate drivers through multiple rounds of racing. For more information about hosting your special event, please call (702) 227-7223.

Whether you're the careful cruiser or the super speedster, Pole Position is fun for all.

"This place is built for the masses," said Kroten. "It's an entertainment experience, yet it also provides competitive karting. It's a good combination of both."

Complimentary shuttle service is also available from the Las Vegas Strip. Please inquire for details on participating hotels.

Stratosphere Rides

The Stratosphere Tower and Ride Pass is the perfect way for visitors to check out a panoramic view of Las Vegas from 869 feet above the Strip and experience some of the thrilling rides set on top of the 1,149-foot-tall tower. The tower's outdoor observation deck is the tallest of its kind in the country and offers a breathtaking view of the city and beyond.

Apart from taking in the incredible view, visitors can also experience the three rides, Big Shot, Insanity-The Ride and X Scream, located on top of the tower.

Big Shot

Big Shot is the tallest thrill ride at an astounding 112 stories high. It starts at the bottom of the needle located at the very top of the tower where guests are strapped in with their feet dangling freely above the world below. Next, experience the feeling of complete weightlessness as you are launched 160 feet in a mere 2.5 seconds at 45 mph. Riders then drop down and spring back up several times before getting their feet back on the ground. This is an intensely thrilling ride not for the faint of heart. You must be 42 inches tall without shoes to ride.

Insanity

Insanity- The Ride takes riders over the edge as they spin in an inverted centrifuge 64 feet over the north edge of the tower. As the speed increases, riders are pulled out in “escape proof” seats to an angle of 70 degrees, with nothing to look at but the Las Vegas Strip more than 900 feet below. You must be 52 inches tall without shoes to ride.

X Scream

If just looking out from the observation deck is not enough for you then hop on X Scream, a ride than takes guests 27 feet over the edge of the tower in an eight-seat car on a high-tech teeter-totter. The car is hoisted high into the air before the track dives at a 30-degree angle, taking the car and your nerves with it.

After reaching speeds of 30 mph, the car jerks to a sudden halt at the end of the track, with nothing but 900 feet of air between you and the ground. You must be 52 inches tall without shoes to ride.

This Las Vegas attraction features sharks, tropical aquariums, a jelly fish exhibit as well as a few crocodiles. A great way to spend a few hours. You will come in contact with numerous species of sharks, marine invertebrates and rays. All in a ancient sunken temple themed locale. Walk through a tunnel where sharks surround you and put your fingers in the touch tank. No other Las Vegas attraction allows you to touch living sea animals.

Of all the Las Vegas attractions this one will get you moving the fastest. Located in the New York/New York Las Vegas resort this Roller coaster will take you to heights of 203 feet, drops of 144 feet and speeds up to 67 MPH, It features the world's first "heartline" twist and dive maneuver, allowing riders to experience the thrilling force of negative g's! I nearly lost my lunch on this one but it was well worth it. The ultimate Las Vegas attraction.

I'll come clean, I can be a romantic guy at times and this Las Vegas Attraction has a tendency to make me soft. The music gets going and the water dances back and forth. In the early evening the light show along with the fine mist that fills the air is magical. This is the romantic Las Vegas attraction

This Las Vegas attraction gets you high in the air above Las Vegas. The replica Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas is an exact reproduction of one of Europe's most famous landmarks, only at 1/2 scale. You can to ride to the top, and experience a panoramic view of the valley, from 460 feet above the ground. There is also the Eiffel Tower Restaurant, located on the 11th floor. Las Vegas attractions do not get better than this.

Zeke Quezada The Springs Preserve is a cultural and historic attraction only a few minutes from Downtown Las Vegas. Imagine a location where you can not only learn about the history of Las Vegas but about the process by which we all can work to preserve the environment we depend on. The Springs Preserve is a must see in Las Vegas!

The perfect Las Vegas attraction for the kids. In the summer this is a an air-conditioned theme park that you will think was delivered from heaven. Incredible thrill rides and a joy for the kids. It's free to walk around, but you will have to pay to get wet on Rim Runner or get sick on Chaos.

With the tallest rollercoaster in the world and a great view this is a Las Vegas attraction that you will not want to miss. The tower is now a Las Vegas trademark and why not go to the top of it. Ride the rollercoaster or have dinner, it's a ton of fun.

Desperado Roller Coster Buffalo Bill's, Primm, NV
702-382-1212 Rating & Comments
One of the world's tallest and fastest roller coasters is located at the California/Nevada border just 30 minutes from Las Vegas. The ride begins with an initial lift height of 209 feet and a breathtaking 225-foot drop. Tickets are $6.00.

Fountains at Bellagio 3400 Las Vegas Blvd S. Las Vegas, NV 89109
702-791-7111 Rating & Comments
Over a thousand soaring fountains fill Bellagio's lake, enhanced at nightfall by color and light. Accompanying this water ballet is the,music of composers such as Copland and Strauss and vocalists such as Luciano Pavarotti.

Fremont Street Experience Fremont Street - Downtown Las Vegas
702-678-5600 Rating & Comments
Features a Space Frame, rising 90 feet in height and stretching almost 1,400 feet along Fremont Street from Main Street to Fourth Street. Set into the inner surface of the space frame are nearly 2.1 million lights. Within the space frame are 208 speakers capable of producing 540,000 watts of sound and concert-quality music. Thirty-two computers generate animated images perfectly syncopated to sound. In addition, there are $2 million in ambient lights, including 180 computer-programmed strobe lights and 64 variable color lighting fixtures capable of producing more than 300 colors, within the space frame. Hourly show from dusk to midnight. Free

GameWorks 3785 S Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89109
702-432-GAME Rating & Comments
In the Showcase Mall. More than 250 games and a 75-foot rock-climbing structure provides fun and excitement for all ages.
Open 10:00am to 4:00am

Grand Canyon West approximately 120 miles east of Las Vegas, NV
877-716-9378 Rating & Comments
The Grand Canyon Skywalk (opening March 28, 2007) will be the first ever cantilever-shaped glass walkway to suspend more than 4,000 feet above the canyon's floor and extend 70 feet from the canyon's rim. Other attractions available at Grand Canyon West include The Indian Village with authentic dwellings, The Hualapai Market, and The Hualapai Ranch, a western town with horseback and wagon rides. Grand Canyon West is the only location throughout the entire Grand Canyon where visitors can access the river and water recreation activities at the bottom of the canyon via helicopter tours. In addition to boat tours on the river, Hummer tours are available along the rim of the canyon and through private areas that are otherwise inaccessible to the public. Directions form Las Vegas: Center on US-93, 40 miles past Hoover Dam trun left (North) on to Pierce Ferry Road for 28 miles. Turn Right (East) on to Diamond Bar Road go for 21 miles. Diamond Bar Road will end at the only entrance to Grand Canyon West, which is the Grand Canyon West Airport.

Gravityzone Las Vegas Skydiving Jean Sport Aviation Airport, Jean, NV
702-456-3802 Rating & Comments
Experience the thrill of a tandem or solo skydive in Las Vegas, the city that never sleeps. We offer the highest jump around Las Vegas, all the way up to 13,500 ft. Feel the air rush in your face as you freefall through the air at 120 mph. You get to pull the ripcord with the help of a master parachutist to guide your parachute down to a safe landing. Capture the moment with a Music Video and Still Photography. All our Instructors and Jumpmasters are licensed by the USPA/FAA.

Hoover Dam Hyw 93 at the Nevada/Arizona Border
702-294-3524 Rating & Comments
The new visitor center hours of operation are 8:30am to 5:45pm. A guided, 35-minute tours of Hoover Dam take visitors deep inside the monolith for a complete explanation of its history, purpose and inner workings. Tours Available

IMAX-3D Theatre - Luxor 3900 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89119
702-262-4500 Rating & Comments
The Luxor IMAX Theatre features films in IMAX and IMAX 3D. They take you on the world's most exotic journeys - in maximum image and maximum sound - to places you've never been and in ways you've never seen. With a 7-story screen and 30,000 watts of sound, it is truly as high as high tech gets. Experience the IMAX difference.

Las Vegas Springs Preserve 333 S. Valley View Blvd., Las Vegas, NV
822-7770 Rating & Comments
Explore the Springs Preserve, once home to ancient tribes and the resting place for weary Spanish explorers. Learn about the history of the Las Vegas Valley as well as methods to maintain a sustainable lifestyle in the desert. The Preserve is open daily from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Trails close at dusk. Entrance to the gardens and trails at the Springs Preserve is free to the public, however you must obtain a ticket to enter. You must obtain gardens and trails tickets from the Preserve when you visit; you cannot order them online. Admission Tickets and Annual Passes provide entrance to the ORIGEN Experience and Desert Living Center, in addition to the Gardens and Trails. Prices do not include admission to concerts, performances or events. General Admission - Adult $18.95 (Nevada Resident $14.95) General Admission - Senior (65+) & Student (18+) $14.95 (Nevada Resident $13.45) General Admission - Child (5 - 17 years) $10.95 (Nevada Resident $6.95) General Admission - Child Under 5 years Free

Mt. Charleston US95 North to Hwy 157, then west on Hyw 157 for 17 miles
702-873-8800 Rating & Comments
Miles of hiking and biking trails about 30 miles from Las Vegas. The pine forests provide great picnic spots, horseback riding in the summer and skiing in the winter.

Nevada State Railway Museum Near Boulder Hyw & Yucca St. Boulder City
702-486-5933 Rating & Comments
There is currently no museum facility but they are offering monthly excursion rides on the following dates: May 1 & 2, June 12, July 3, Aug 14, Sept 11, Oct 2 & 3 and Nov 13 2004, at the following times 9:00am, 10:30am, noon and 1:30pm. Call for the Dec 4 & 5, 2004 Santa Train schedule. Tickets are $5.00; $4.00 for seniors 65 & older; $3.00 for children ages 6 to 11 and free from children 5 and younger.

Parade in the Sky 3700 W. Flamingo Rd, Las Vegas, Nevada, 89103
702-252-7777 Rating & Comments
Located in Rio's Masquerade Village, the show features state-of- the-art floats that suspend from the ceiling and parade above the casino floor. Three themed parades are performed throughout the day: Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Carnivale in Venice, and Carnivale in Rio. Guests may take part in the parade by riding floats, and wearing costumes unique to each parade (for a fee). The show is free to the public and is performed every 2 hours from 2:00pm to midnight dailt except Wednesdays.

Pinball Hall of Fame 3330 E. Tropicana, Las Vegas NV 89121 Rating & Comments
The Pinball Hall of Fame is an attempt by the members of the Las Vegas Pinball Collectors Club to house and display the world's largest pinball collection, open to the public. A not-for-profit corporation was established to further this cause. The games belong to one club member (Tim Arnold), and range from 1950s up to 1990s pinball machines.

4500 square feet is dedicated to the Pinball Hall of Fame, where the entire family can enjoy non-violent pinball arcade games for small dinero. All machines are available for play, so not only can you see them, you can actually play your old favorites. The pinball machines are all restored to like-new playing condition by people that love pinball and understand how a machine should work. All older pinballs are set to 25 cents per play, and newer 1990s models are set to 50 cents per play.

Since it is a non-profit museum, older games from the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s are the prevelant, as this was the "heyday" of pinball. There are no "ticket spitters" here (aka kiddie casinos or redemption). It's all pure pinball (and a few arcade novelty games) from the past.

Hours: 11am till 11pm, 7 days a week.

Red Rock Canyon 15 miles (24 km.) west of Las Vegas out Charleston Blvd.
702-363-1921 Rating & Comments
Once the home of ancient Indian tribes, this magnificent canyon was formed by a thrust fault -- a fracture in the earth's crust where one rock plate is thrust horizontally over another. Take a scenic drive through the blazing red rock formations of Centerern Nevada.
$5.00 per car charge to enter Red Rock. Season passes are available for $20.00 per year.

Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay 3950 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas NV, 89119
702-632-7580 Rating & Comments
Not your typical aquarium, Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay is a total sensory experience designed to transport visitors to an undersea ocean of fantastic sights, sounds and encounters. Featuring 2,000 dangerous and unusual aquatic animals from the world's tropical waters, Shark Reef takes visitors on a journey through an ancient temple that has been slowly claimed by the sea. View 100 aquatic species, including 13 different species of sharks! Open daily 10:00am to 11:00pm. (Last ticket sold at 9:30pm) Admission is $12.95 for adults, $9.95 for children 5 to 12 years old and free for children under 5 years old.

Siegfried & Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat 3400 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109
702-791-7111 Rating & Comments
"Magicians of the Century" Siegfried & Roy invite you to enter into their Secret Garden where you will see Royal White Tigers, Magical White Lions, panthers, and leopards. Enter this tropical atmosphere, surrounded by palm trees and lush foliage, and a different world that is exotic, enchanting and full of adventure lies before you. The exquisite animals enjoy relaxing in their environment, which was modeled after their natural habitats. The 2.5-million-gallon Dolphin Habitat is home to a family of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. Its purpose is to provide a healthy and nurturing environment for dolphins, as well as to educate the public about marine mammals and their environment - including their role in the ecosystem. Four connected pools, an artificial coral reef system and sandy bottom replicate the dolphins' natural environment. Most of the dolphins were born here; the remaining few were relocated from other facilities. Open Daily: Memorial day to Labor day 10:00am-7:00pm; Labor day to Memorial day 11:00am-5:30pm weekdays and 10:00am-5:30pm weekends. Adults: $15.00; Children 4-12 $10.00;Children 3 and under no charge when accompanied by an adult.

Centerern Nevada Zoological-Botanical Park 1775 North Rancho Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89106
702-647-4685 Rating & Comments
There are a variety of endangered cats as well as the last family of Barbary Apes in the United States, chimpanzee, eagles, ostriches, emus, talking parrots, wallabies, flamingos, large exotic reptiles and every species of venomous reptile native to southern Nevada. The zoo also features exhibits by the Las Vegas Gem Club and botanical displays of endangered cycads and rare bamboos.
Open daily 9:00am to 5:00pm. Admission $6.50 general, $4.50 for children ages 2-12 and seniors aged 62 and older, free for children under 2.

Strat-O-Fair midway 2000 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas Nv, 89104
702-383-4755 Rating & Comments
Some of the main midway attractions include: The Sky Wheel, a 45-foot in diameter Ferris Wheel. The Little Shot, a smaller version of the Big Shot adapted for kids and the Hover Crash, a futuristic bumper car ride. The midway is located at the base of the 1,149 foot Stratosphere tower.

Stratosphere Tower 2000 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas Nv, 89104
702-383-4755 Rating & Comments
See the city like you've never seen it...millions of lights flickering into the darkness of a distant horizon...Las Vegas at night. Breathtaking and unforgettable, its brilliance will last a lifetime. See it from the 1,149 foot Stratosphere Tower - the tallest free-standing observation tower in the United States.
Tower Hours: 9am - 1am Sunday through Thursday; 9am - 2am Friday, Saturday and Holidays.